By Vincent Trivett Business Insider, Jul. 20, 2011 If you ever try comparing the debt situation in the US and Japan, someone will invariably say: Well, Japan can afford a lot more debt because it’s all domestically owned, whereas US debt is owned by the Chinese.It turns out this ... Read more

No new taxes doesn’t mean no new fees Carla Marinucci, Joe Garofoli,Natalie Orenstein, Chronicle Staff Writers San Francisco, Chronicle, July 17, 2011 Brant Ward / The Chronicle A gallery called California People at the Oakland Museum of California lets visitors draw their own likeness to ... Read more

Wednesday 20 July 2011 July 20, 2011, Truthou (Photo: itspaulkelly) In America, anybody who works for a living should be able to afford to retire. That’s why shunting newly hired and/or existing civil servants into defined contribution or 401(k)-style plans to save taxpayers money, as ... Read more

How is it that our nation is awash in money, but too broke to provide jobs and services? David Korten introduces a landmark new report, “How to Liberate America from Wall Street Rule.” By David Korten Yes! Magazine, Jul 19, 2011 Image by Beverly & Pack The dominant story of the current ... Read more

By Stephen C. Webster Raw Story, July 21st, 2011 The U.S. Federal Reserve gave out $16.1 trillion in emergency loans to U.S. and foreign financial institutions between Dec. 1, 2007 and July 21, 2010, according to figures produced by the government’s first-ever audit of the central bank. ... Read more

Below are two articles about a treasure trove of documents from ALEC — the American Legislative Exchange Council. This is a conservative lobby group that drafts laws for state government, working closely with big business interests. The 800 documents provide a road map for their game ... Read more

Gini’s Growing Fast (or How Much Can One Man Make?) by Paul Buchheit The Gini Coefficient is a measure of economic inequality, from 0 to 1, with 1 representing the most severe degree of inequality. The U.S. Gini, one of the highest among developed countries, has risen steadily, from .39 in 1970 to .47 ... Read more

America’s super rich, new IRS income data show, partied on right through the depth of the Great Recession. And they shared precious little of their good fortune with Uncle Sam. By Sam Pizzigati Too Much, May 14, 2011 America’s super rich, new IRS income data show, partied on right through the depth ... Read more

Below are four articles on the Gang of Six deficit reduction plan — the gang is made up of three Democrat and three Republican senators. The plan has not been publicly released but the leaked details and vague two-page document indicate a reduction in the ... Read more